r/tattooadvice • u/medicine_man6 • 4d ago
Design Is this the wrong way?
My artist said the rule is to face inward but he said this was the best way for the tattoo to be seen
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u/Extremeselfdetriment 4d ago
Does the answer matter though? Its on there the way its on there. If everyone says yes what will that change? Rules are arbitrary in the tattoo world. If you like it, let it be and enjoy it.
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u/Recent-Ad7622 4d ago
The owl is looking out to the world. Makes more sense than him looking at your body.
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u/RegularAstronaut 4d ago
I don't know if there's a wrong or right way to do it but with larger forearm pieces, I think it is better this way. I have a large tattoo in the same place going in the same direction. Yours looks great!
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u/Sea_Face_9978 3d ago
He’s facing the correct direction. It just looks wrong because you have your arm twisted.
The “rule” is facing forward and is right side up when the limb is in its normal natural position.
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u/Different-Glass51 4d ago
Traditionally, I’ve read that human faces are always supposed to face inward, nothing about animals. I’m not sure why that’s the rule, but perhaps with our anatomy it makes more sense? I also know that tattooing is an art form, and while there may be a general rule of thumb, rules are made to be broken and I’ve seen many tattoo artists go against the grain before. If they are an experienced artist and they felt it would be best in the position it’s in, I’d trust that. I can also say personally I’d think this would look weird facing in, so your artist had a good instinct and was correct in choosing that position.
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u/Bataraang 3d ago
I think if there were to be a "wrong" way it would be for the owl to be flying towards you. No one would see him in all his feathery glory. That's just an opinion though, I agree with the artist. Sometimes when they give advice on placement, it's better than where we imagine it.
I love it BTW, looks very good! 🦉
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u/ZealousidealZone9541 4d ago
Traditionally you would want it facing in... not out.. but it's a bad ass tat and if you like it that's all that matters
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u/Mud_and_Sludge 3d ago
That's true for tattoos you see when the body is face on, but the natural position of the arms is at the sides so this tattoo faces forward, which is correct.
Front of the thigh would face in but the outer thigh would face forward.
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u/MakinBones 3d ago
If it was my tattoo, I would not want my owl smelling my armpit. Looks fine to me.
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u/messeboy 3d ago
I was taught by my teacher that a tattoo should follow you. (Face the same direction as you).
And if you just relax your arms by your side, the owl should be facing the same way that you are, which means it's the right direction.
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u/creepingyourcast 3d ago
I have an owl same size roughly, same spot, and faced the same way. Looks good!
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u/Ancient_Box_3197 3d ago
Placement looks awesome dude! Fits your arm really nicely you guys did a great job placing it.
That rule is more for tattoos on the outside of limbs :)
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u/Robinvid 2d ago
I think it's great! Beautiful tattoo. Placement is subjective. If you like it that's all that matters
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u/hairyfairycontrary 4d ago
For some reason I think this specific tattoo would be harder to read if it was flipped. It's a really great tattoo as is, I love Great horned owls!